Finding the Right Safari Accommodation
Where you sleep undeniably plays a large part in planning a trip. For some, it’s first class all the way. For others, “clean, safe, and without frills” is the name of the game. Some love the idea of indoor/outdoor living while others don’t consider a lizard on the wall the idea of fun on vacation. Will you be unhappy without air-conditioning? What about WiFi? Finding the right safari accommodation is a complicated puzzle, and the amenities are just the tip of the iceberg.
Understanding who our clients are and what gets them excited is the most important part in making the right match. It helps to have a basic understanding of what is out there so you can gather questions to ask your Safari Specialist. You might find there are some must-haves you never dreamed you’d have to say aloud, but also hopefully some inspiration to stoke the fires of this big dream.
Deciphering Accommodation in Africa
Standard hotels need little explanation, but we sometimes note a hint of fear in client’s voices when talking about where they would actually be sleeping on safari. “Tent” does not mean the same as it did camping as a kid, but like everything in life, there’s a very wide range. Finding the right tented safari camp (if that’s your thing) is all about balancing your levels of comfort and adventure.
Mobile Tented Camps
As the name suggests, these camps relocate 2-3 times throughout the year to predetermined locations and are most commonly associated with Tanzania’s Serengeti. The locations of these camps align with the traditional movements of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Though outfitted with comfortable beds and linens, outstanding food, and a lantern-lit ambience, these camps do not have running water. Instead, you’ll find a pitcher of filtered water beside your sink and on-demand bucket showers.
Permanent Tented Camps
In contrast to the mobile camps, these tents enjoy a fixed position throughout the year. As such, you’ll find more creature comforts like plumbed water (though not always) and certain features characteristic of more permanent structures like raised decking, a boma (outdoor dining area), bathtubs, fireplaces, and even the occasional swimming pool.
After an evening beside the crackling campfire, you’ll still enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in the bush. You’ll just have a few more amenities to soften your stay as you call it a night. Permanent tented camps can run the gamut from rustic to ultra-luxury, and we’ll match you with the perfect one according to your preferences.
Safari Lodges
Safari lodges are permanent structures with solid walls (rather than canvas), doors, and windows. We recommend safari lodges for a number of reasons. Safari lodges might be the right choice for you if:
- you’d be uncomfortable with an insect making its way indoors,
- you need climate control (think air-conditioning rather than a standing fan)
- you’re traveling with kids and need the reliability of a good swimming pool in the afternoon, or
- you’re looking for more polish and fine dining (though some tented camps have very fine dining, too!).
Safari lodges range as much in size (anywhere from 4 luxury suites to 50+ rooms) and price points, as they do styles (rustic to ultra-glam). Finding the right safari lodge still can be daunting because there are so many options to choose from. Just because a lodge (or tented camp) looks beautiful and gets top online reviews though, doesn’t mean it’s in a good area for wildlife. Your Extraordinary Journeys Safari Specialist will start by figuring out what is the most important to you – the wildlife, the accommodation, the natural wonders – and then create a custom itinerary that perfectly meets your needs.
Unique hotels around the world
If you think finding the right safari accommodation was a challenge, outside of Africa there are hundreds of thousands of properties to choose from. Although the accommodation options are much more self-explanatory – large resorts, private islands, and boutique hotels with advanced reservation systems, transport, amenities, and many concierge-scheduled activities – sometimes it’s hard to find and book a truly unique hotel or property.
Since we’re always on the look for unique hotels, lodges, camps, and properties, we wanted to make sure to highlight a couple of those, too. From overnight island-hopping on a dhow and self-catering glass cottages to bubble pods in the desert and private houseboats, memorable unique hotels and rare off-the-beaten-path accommodations come in all shapes and sizes.
Best picks for happy kids + parents
With child programs and child-minding nearly ubiquitous across safari camps and lodges, it’s no wonder Africa consistently ranks as a top destination for families. Finding the right safari in Africa is one of our specialties. But Africa isn’t the be-all-end-all for family safari vacations. With inclusive private guiding or lots of on-site activities, it’s possible to create life-changing family moments anywhere, if you know where to look.
Accommodation
The Farm At Cape Kidnappers is considered one of the top luxury lodges in New Zealand offering scenic views and excellent golfing.
Accommodation
family friendly property on the eastern cape that provides for a malaria free experience at an upscale experience.
Accommodation
Molly’s Run is a privately owned boutique hotel on the north coast of Kangaroo Island.
Accommodation
Larger safari lodge in a prime location within the Sabi Sand. Ideal for families with smaller children featuring all the amenities of a polished lodge.
Accommodation
Arkaba Homestead in South Australia is an exclusive and luxury private house perfect for large families interested in culture, wilderness and conservation.
Accommodation
Eagle’s Nest in Bay of Islands, New Zealand is a beautiful luxury lodge that’s great for nature lovers interested in a host of water activities.
Accommodation
Madikwe Safari Lodge is a gorgeous property in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. A traditional safari camp, each room is well-appointed with a deck and plunge pool for unwinding while soaking up the glory of the area. Meal times are romantic affairs, and dinner is served under lanterns hung from the trees above. This property […]
Accommodation
North Island, If you want the ultimate in a luxury private island getaway then look no further than North Island. The island’s 11 villas are private and gorgeous but it is in the service and the activities where North Island truly stands out. The island’s motto is ‘whatever you want, whenever you want’ and they […]
Accommodation
Old Malo is a treasure of a property in an absolutely stunning setting in Laikipia
Accommodation
Wolgan Valley in New South Wales, Australia is a beautiful & luxury lodge that’s great for pampering yourself while still enjoying the active lifestyle.
Accommodation
Set on the Nlharalumi riverbed and enveloped by bushveld, Tanda Tula strikes all the high notes: superb wildlife viewing, high caliber guiding, service on a first-name basis, and glamorous safari suites cradled in a lush forest. Owner-operated, Tanda Tula is people and purpose-centered, and guests can sense it. Gorgeous as the setting is, and as […]
Accommodation
Alphonse Island Resort, The Alphonse group of atolls is considered one of the most pristine and untouched in the world and are a dream for fisher-folk and divers alike. The magnificent island threesome of Alphonse, St Francois and Bijoutier lies in the very heart of the Indian Ocean and is blessed with one of the […]
Accommodation
Edenhouse Luxury Lodge is located in between Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson.
Accommodation
Constance Ephelia is situated on two of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Mahé, overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay
Accommodation
A lovely and welcoming safari lodge perfect for multi-generational families
Accommodation
Aeriel view of a remote beach lodge on the idyllic Pemba Island
Accommodation
andBeyond Vira Vira, is one of our favorite properties in the Chilean Lake District outside of the city of Pucón. Vira Vira is perfect for the active traveler. It offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, yoga, kayaking, water sports, and fishing (November-March). We love that all of these activities are included in the rate and that […]
Accommodation
Safari lodge with great access to the Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation
Huka Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand is a beautiful & private luxury hotel that’s great for discerning travelers and offers many activities.
Accommodation
Awasi Patagonia, just outside of Torres del Paine National Park is the epitome of a luxury experience with best of dining, guides and activities.
Accommodation
Comfortable and intimate, Sarara offers spacious luxury tents with gorgeous views over the Matthews Mountains
Accommodation
Nestled among lakes and volcanoes, this luxury lodge embodies a spirit of refined adventure in Northern Patagonia’s Lake District
Accommodation that’s truly something special
We hear often that trips like ours are once-in-a-lifetime. That doesn’t necessarily mean the biggest splurge and the highest price tag, but places that go above and beyond to create the most special moments and experiences. Places that create the feelings of wonder and excitement that you will remember the rest of your life, even if once-in-a-lifetime becomes every couple of years.
Accommodation
If your heart is set on staying inside Torres del Paine, Patagonia, then Explora is where you need to be. As one of the first properties built in the area, Explora Patagonia has a prime location in the middle of the park on the shores of turquoise Lake Pehoé with views of the masiff that […]
Accommodation
Bisate is an Ultra-Lux Lodge in Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation
Minaret Station is accessed exclusively by helicopter and boasts gourmet food, world class activities and luxurious chalets in a setting unlike anywhere else on earth.
Accommodation
Saffire Freycinet in Freycinet N.P., Tasmania is one of the most treasured and well known properties in Tasmania known for its luxury and active offerings.
Accommodation
Vines Resort & Spa in Mendoza, Argentina is a beautiful and serene resort located in a central location with fabulous tastings and breathtaking views.
Accommodation
A luxury safari lodge located in the Southern Serengeti
Accommodation
Historic luxury hotel with beautiful gardens overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza
Accommodation
A luxurious hotel in Cape Town
Accommodation
The Lindis is a luxury lodge in the Ahuriri Valley of New Zealand’s South Island.
Accommodation
A high-end wine estate on the Helshoogte Pass
Accommodation
Top luxury tented camp in Ranthambore
Accommodation
Annandale Villas is a luxury escape on the Banks Peninsula.
Accommodation
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia is perfect for those interested in wildlife, amazing coastlines, and unmatched luxury.
Accommodation
Otahuna Lodge is a Relais & Chateaux property, offering 7 exceptional suites set in 30 acres of garden and features bikes, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and tennis court.
Accommodation
Longitude 131 in the Northern Territory of Australia is a centralized property that boasts some of the most scenic views of Uluru in complete luxury.
Accommodation
El Questro Homestead in Western Australia is a beautiful & exclusive home that’s great for travelers looking to escape in the remote Kimberly wilderness.
Accommodation
A luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sands
Accommodation
andBeyond Vira Vira, is one of our favorite properties in the Chilean Lake District outside of the city of Pucón. Vira Vira is perfect for the active traveler. It offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, yoga, kayaking, water sports, and fishing (November-March). We love that all of these activities are included in the rate and that […]
Accommodation
Top luxury camp evoking life on safari during the heyday of the British Raj
Accommodation
Adjacent to Mombo Camp, Little Mombo is an intimate luxury camp sleeping a maximum of six guests
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